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Hey guys,
Ive decided i want to build an N scale layout on a 3x6 table downstairs. Ive tried the Atlas RTS software and Xtrkcad but i just cant get it right. Xtrkcad is confusing, and the Atlas RTS, i cant figure out how to switch the settings from HO scale to N scale. Ill be using DCC.
I really want to incorportate either some kind of logging or mining industry, maybe a paper mill or grain industry too. I like the idea of a branch line or short line railroad. For scenery, i like rivers and bridges.
Any ideas would be really grateful, and im sure i didnt post nearly enough information so i apologize but ill be happy to answer questions
The first question I would ask about the XtrkCAd is did you run the tutorial. Without it, it would be quite confusing. However, it is much more powerful than RTS. Any of the track software will have a learning curve.
You could buy templates from your hobby shop and design your layout by hand. There are a few disadvantages to that but you don't have to mess with software.
Each of the industries you picked will fill your layout. Pick one and do it well. You have a lot of druthers for a small space. Narrow your focus and go with you gut. If you haven't already, read my "Beginner's Guide to Layout Design." Take you about 10 minutes. You can click to it from my signature.
The first question I would ask about the XtrkCAd is did you run the tutorial. Without it, it would be quite confusing. However, it is much more powerful than RTS. Any of the track software will have a learning curve.
You could buy templates from your hobby shop and design your layout by hand. There are a few disadvantages to that but you don't have to mess with software.
Each of the industries you picked will fill your layout. Pick one and do it well. You have a lot of druthers for a small space. Narrow your focus and go with you gut. If you haven't already, read my "Beginner's Guide to Layout Design." Take you about 10 minutes. You can click to it from my signature.
No i didnt use the tutorial, i dont remember any tutorial option either
My local hobby shops are almost all dominated by the RC hobbies. Trains are second rate and if were lucky there might be a wall of rtr cars and a cheap loco or two in the back.
One of the ideas i like is having a shortline that is either logging or mining which is pretty much self sufficient. Almost no roads or large towns, just mines/woods. There would be a short passenger train to shuffle workers around, maybe a very small town at one end as a "base" for the workers to assemble and goods to be shipped out. However, because its a fantasy line, theres bigger power than what youd normally see. Larger modern 6 axle locomotives are around and are hauling short trains. Road power would consist of some SD40-2s all the way up to SD70ACE/MACs. Switching power would be something similar to a GP38 or smaller to an SW7. Rolling stock would be depend on whatever i model, im leaning towards logging though. Id also like a few boxcars, reefers and tank cars to mix in with the passenger equipment, sort of like a supply train. The tank cars would be carrying diesel fuel. I could also have some flat cars to carry eqiupment and some MOW stuff as well. Remember, this is a fantasy line with a fantasy budget
.
No i didnt use the tutorial, i dont remember any tutorial option either
The XTrackCAD Tutorial is online:
http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/BeginnerTutorial
When I was new to the program, I went through the first 4 or 5 Tutorial lessons, after which I was able to start using the program to design my layout. Be sure you have the most recent version of the program, 4.0.3a.
My layout is also a small one, so I printed out the track plan full-size from XTrackCAD. I then used this full-size plan to transfer the track plan to my subroadbed. The printout from XTrack CAD was very accurate, and it was well worth the few hours it took to learn the program.
- Jeff
I like Anyrail as an easy to use basic design program. It has good track libraries (at least in HO) and is super easy to just jump into and use. XTrackCAD is an awesome program as well but definitely has a steeper learning curve than Anyrail, check it out they have a free demo on their website.
If you don't go the template route, you could sketch a plan by hand, make photocopies of turnouts and such and lay them on your benchwork or a paper benchwork template. Even half-size would do.
I've found that no track goes down exactly as planned so I often copy turnouts and lay the copies on the benchwork to check the fit. The advantage is you only need one turnout to copy - flip it over to represent the other handed switch - so there's little pre-planning investment.
Thanks for the help guys. Ill work on it over the week.
Has anyone ever built a fictional railroad? Im worried about painting..
You could do what a lot of shortlines do and just patch over an existing paint job, or have a paint scheme that is similar to a prototype but with some minor changes to save on painting.
Well, the design i like is a dark green with some mountains in shiloette by the cab, so i guess i could start with a Burlington Northern unit for certain units. It sounds simple enough, but then theres decal to apply. How hard are decals to put on an N scale locomotive?
No i didnt use the tutorial, i dont remember any tutorial option either
In the XtrackCAD program...open program..top menu under help..open "Demos"...that is the tutorial program..then practice, practice, practice!
It's a good program, and I'm still learning, but I'm also pleased with the results.
I re-drew my original Cactus Valley RR (Circa 1999) from memory last night in about 6hrs, when it originally took me about 2 weeks to hand draw it.
Just do the tutorial...practice some simple stuff til you feel comfortable, then go for it
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